TWO popular Ayrshire restaurants have been turned into a little slice of Italy as they hosted a celebration of the close links between the area and Tuscany.
Caterina Campani, the mayor of the town of Barga, where many Scots-Italians have their roots, was a VIP guest as customers flocked to the Cecchini's restaurants in Ayr and Ardrossan to enjoy Italian food, drink and great company - as well as raising money for charitable causes.
The Cecchini family is one of many in the west of Scotland with close links to Barga, which hosts a Scottish festival every September celebrating the cultural links.
Owner Anthony Cechinni said: "We have done many Barga nights in the past, but these ones in Ayr and Ardrossan were arranged with Caterina when I was in Barga for the Scottish weekend.
"The Barga nights were in conjunction with the British Heart Foundation and Michael Lemetti, Clan Italia, and a total of £1,855 was raised.
"Special thanks go to ILoveBargaVillas.com owner Ronnie Rajendra for donating a week for his villa in Barga, to all suppliers that donated, and all Cecchini's management and staff."
All photos by Charlie Gilmour
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